1. Home
  2. Our partners
  3. Counties
  4. CDHS County Portal
  5. Offices and divisions

Offices and divisions

County Portal header image

COUNTY PORTAL HOME    ABOUT CDHS & CONTACTS    OFFICES & DIVISIONS    BOARDS & COMMISSIONS    FINANCE, LEGISLATION & AUDITS    TRAINING & RESOURCES

 

This page includes information about CDHS's county-facing programs, as well as other programs that may affect county clients. Expand each section for program overviews, important updates, helpful links, and contact information. If you see an unfamiliar acronym, check out this list of CDHS's commonly used acronyms.

Adult Protective Services
About the program

​Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-supervised, county-administered system. Our team is here to support and assist you with the APS data system (CAPS), case consult and technical assistance, training needs and/or answering your general APS-related questions. Statewide county APS programs provide for the safety and protection of at-risk adults who are, or are suspected to be, victims of mistreatment. The County APS programs receive reports of mistreatment, which include physical abuse, sexual abuse, caretaker neglect, exploitation and self neglect; investigate allegations and conduct an assessment of the client’s strengths and needs; and arrange for needed services to reduce risk and improve safety. We look forward to assisting you. Please note, APS staff  can be reached via the contact information below.

Contact information

Policy, case, and general APS questions: cdhs_aps_questions@state.co.us

CAPS password reset or have general CAPS questions: cdhs_aps_caps@state.co.us. Specific requests related to fixes in CAPS, a CAPS Support ticket is still required.

If you need to reach out to one of us directly, please remember that a response will be dependent upon our availability. Here is our direct contact information and our normal days worked:


Stefanie Woodard, Section Manager
stefanie.woodard@state.co.us or 303-552-4788 (M-F) 

Kathleen Calderon, Supervisor, APS Policy Unit: County Support & Policy
kathleen.calderon@state.co.us or 303-866-2787 (M-R, 1/2 day F)

Tracy Munson, Lead Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy
tracy.munson@state.co.us or 303-866-4774 (T-F)

Elena Romero, AR Pilot Planning Specialist
elena.romero@state.co.us or 303-866-2275 (M-F)

Amber Moody, Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy 
amber.moody@state.co.us or 303-866-4237 (T-F) (T-F) 

Nicole Fisher, Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy
nicole.fisher@state.co.us or 303-866-4293 (M-R)

Jason Ornelis, Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy
jason.ornelis@state.co.us or 303-866-4648 (T-F)

Brandi Cordova, Learning & Development Specialist
brandi.cordova@state.co.us (M-F)  

Rose Green, Data Specialist, Lead, System Administration & Data Analytics
rose.green@state.co.us or 303-866-5953 (M-R)

Audrey Garcia, CAPS Administrator, System Administration & Data Analytics
audrey.garcia@state.co.us or 303-866-2714 (T-F)

Jianling Hu, CAPS Administrator, System Administration & Data Analytics
jianling.hu@state.co.us (M-R)

Iona Mara-Drita, Elder Justice Act Grant Manager
iona.maradrita@state.co.us or 303-552-6447 (M-F)

Helpful links:

Behavioral Health Administration
What's new

The 2023-2025 Strategic Plan outlines the BHA's key priorities for the next three years. The plan explains the BHA’s creation, how the BHA works, priorities and key strategies, desired outcomes, and a visual roadmap representing how the BHA will achieve behavioral health care reform in Colorado.

In the next three years, the BHA desires a behavioral health system that is equitable and easy to access, meeting the needs of all people in Colorado. We strive to be an administration that represents our values of truth, equity, collaboration, community-informed practice, and generational impact.

Read the strategic plan on the BHA website here. 

BHA Monthly Town Halls
Commissioner Medlock and the BHA Leadership Team will be hosting monthly Town Halls to provide BHA-wide updates and information on how to get more involved. This meeting is open to anyone who is interested.

The first meeting will touch on several key topics, including:

  • BHASOs and Care Coordination planning
  • Rule revision update and next steps
  • Legislative session highlights

Sign up for a Town Hall

About the Behavioral Health Administration

The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is a cabinet member-led agency within the State of Colorado, housed within the Department of Human Services and is designed to be the single entity responsible for driving coordination and collaboration across state agencies to address behavioral health needs.

The BHA believes all people in Colorado deserve to experience whole-person health. We envision a world in which behavioral health services in Colorado are accessible, meaningful, and trusted. It is our BHA mission to co-create a people-first behavioral health system that meets the needs of all people in Colorado.  

The people of Colorado called for this vision and the BHA was conceived by the community.

  • Join the BHA team. Search open BHA career opportunities at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado?keywords=BHA.
  • The BHA website is live at https://bha.colorado.gov/.OwnPath provides individuals with a resource to begin their own path to wellness, no matter where in the journey they are. The searchable online directory allows people in Colorado to find behavioral health providers licensed by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and to search for specific services or use a guided search to identify providers or resources that best meet their needs. Searches can be narrowed by criteria such as location, days of operation, language support, payment types accepted, and more.
  • As of July 16, 2022, Colorado and the rest of the United States are using the 988 dialing code, a new, easy-to-remember three-digit number for call (multiple languages), text, or chat (English only). The BHA is supporting the logistics and implementation of 988 services in Colorado, including the administration of the Colorado 988 Enterprise Board.
  • Anyone who lives in Colorado can call or text Colorado Crisis Services to be connected to support and local resources, regardless of the area code associated with their phone number. Call 1-844-493-8255, or text TALK to 38255. Services are free and confidential, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Colorado Crisis Services has dedicated staff, including people with lived experience, to answer calls in more than 200 languages.
  • Lift The Label is a public awareness campaign that strives to remove damaging labels and stigma that prevent those with addiction from seeking effective treatment. The campaign is run by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and is funded through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. Learn more about treatment resources, watch and read stories of Coloradans, and learn how to support a loved one at LiftTheLabel.org.
  • All Colorado youth ages 18 or younger —or 21 and younger if receiving special education services— are eligible to receive free therapy through the I Matter Program. Youth and their parents can visit IMatterColorado.org to take a confidential online survey about their mental health and schedule sessions with a licensed therapist. Youth 12 and older can sign up for counseling sessions without a parent or guardian's consent.
  • Share Feedback about the BHA. We value the perspectives of all people in Colorado and welcome your feedback, ideas and questions to help inform our collective efforts to transform behavioral health in our state. Please use the following form to share your feedback with us.
  • Share a Complaint about the BHA. If you have a concern or complaint, we will do our best to assist you and resolve the matter. Should you need assistance with a concern or a complaint, the BHA’s dispute resolution team is happy to assist you. You can submit a complaint by filling out the form below or contacting us directly.

Learn more the transformational work of the BHA by subscribing to our monthly BHA newsletter to stay informed of informational opportunities, technology announcements, and all BHA news.

For help with any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844- 493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255. Our trained professionals provide free, immediate, and confidential help, 24/7/365. Everyone deserves someone who will listen and care, including you and your loved ones. Learn more at ColoradoCrisisServices.org.

Child Support Services
About the program

The Division of Child Support Services (CSS) works with parents and caretakers to make sure all Colorado kids get the financial support they need to thrive. CSS oversees child support in Colorado. Individual child support orders are managed by Colorado's county child support offices. These offices handle all services connected to the orders set up in their counties and can answer questions about specific situations.

CSS can help with:

  • Setting up a child support and medical (health insurance) order
  • Collecting child support payments
  • Changing an existing child support order

Helpful links:

​​With recent vacancies at DCSS, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of your assigned Regional Representatives.

Your Regional Representatives above are your liaison to the DCSS staff and will either directly respond to/resolve your inquiry, need, or question OR ensure that you are directed to the right staff member at DCSS to respond/resolve.
 
The FSR-Support Services Unit also has a Regional Representative model. You can contact these representatives directly for assistance with the following: Employer Services, State Directory of New Hires, Notice Production, and NIVD Accounts.

If you have questions specific to ACSES, please call the ACSES Hotline @ 303-866-4501. This line is not answered directly, but all messages are routed to an email received by the Operations Analysts.

Children, Youth and Families
About the office

The Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) is responsible for the coordination of quality and effective services for Colorado’s most vulnerable children, youth and their families. OCYF includes several programs and divisions: the Division of Child Welfare, the Division of Youth Services, and the Division of Community Programs. The Division of Community Programs includes the following: Colorado Sexual Health Initiative (CoSHI), the Domestic Violence Program (DVP), the Collaborative Management Program (CMP), the Juvenile Parole Board (JPB) and the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program (TGYS). Additionally, OCYF has the following teams and resources:

  • Legislative and finance staff dedicated to advancing the policy and budgetary priorities of the Office
  • The Colorado Implementation Science Unit (CISU) provides internal capacity to engage in program implementation and evaluation
  • The Pay for Success program, designed to reduce juvenile involvement in the justice system, reduce out-of-home placements of juveniles, and improve on-time high school graduation rates.
  • The Medical Oversight unit oversees the psychiatric and medical care of children and youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
  • The communications team works to increase understanding of the Office’s impact, promote prevention services, and encourage Coloradans to help strengthen families. 

Download a PDF of the complete Office of Children, Youth and Families org chart

Helpful links

The Division of Child Welfare focuses on strengthening the ability of the family to protect and care for their own children, minimizing harm to children and youth, and ensuring timely permanency planning. When safety is not possible within the family, services focus on the child's need for a stable, permanent home as quickly as possible.

The Division of Community Programs (DCP) works to create and elevate a community of practice around the work of the community-facing units within OCYF. These units include:

  • ​The Colorado Sexual Health Initiative - (CoSHI) provides youth with age-appropriate, medically accurate and evidence-based strategies that are proven to help reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • The Domestic Violence Program - (DVP) primarily focuses on the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their families
  • Juvenile Parole Board - (JPB) composed of nine members appointed by the Governor,  promotes public safety by utilizing statutory criteria in the best interest of the juvenile and victim when reintegrating the juvenile into the community.
  • Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program - (TGYS) a statutory program providing funding to community-based organizations for prevention and intervention programs for children, youth, and their families working to prevent youth crime and violence, youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, student dropout, and child abuse and neglect.
  • Collaborative Management Program - (CMP) Colorado's commitment to improving social service delivery systems gave rise to the Collaborative Management Program (CMP) administered by the OCYF Division of Child Welfare.

The Division of Youth Services ​(DYS) primarily focuses on the needs of Colorado’s youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced or committed. DYS operates 15 secure youth centers that serve youth between the ages of 10-21 who are pre-adjudicated or committed. In addition to residential programming, DYS administers juvenile parole services throughout Colorado.

Client Services
About Client Services
Client Services

Client Services processes complaints for CDHS that include concerns with Adult Protective Services, Behavioral Health, Child, Youth & Family, Child Support, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence, Foster Care, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Old Age Pension, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Veterans Community Living Centers and more.

CDHS encourages clients to direct questions or concerns to their local county human services department first. If the client has contacted their county regarding the concern, but needs further assistance from the State, clients can contact CDHS’ Client Services by filling out one of the following forms below. A complaint may be emailed, mailed through the U.S. Postal System, or submitted using the online complaint form links provided below. A complaint may also be made by calling 303.866.3275. 

View our complaints process flyer for counties.

Complaints are reviewed by client services and routed appropriately using an internal resource guide to contacts within CDHS, counties, and other state, county, and community entities. Once complaints are resolved, Client Services is informed that the complaint is closed and tracks this information in a database that is used for tracking and trending purposes. Complaints data is shared with county directors twice a year and CDHS offices on a quarterly basis.

How to File a Complaint

If a client has a complaint in one of the following areas, we will do our best to assist the client:

Adult Protective Services, Behavioral Health, Child, Youth & Family, Child Support, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence, Foster Care, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Old Age Pension, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Veterans Community Living Centers

If the complaint is in one of the areas listed above, the client may contact CDHS’ Client Services via one of the following methods:

General Complaints
  • General Complaints may be submitted by completing this form.
Child Welfare Complaints
  • Child Welfare complaints may be submitted by completing this form.
  • Please note the child welfare complaint review process may take up to eight weeks to complete.
  • If this is an emergency child protection issue, please call the State Hot Line number 1-844-264-5437
Appeal a finding
Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman
  • The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman is required by the legislature to serve as an independent state agency that investigates complaints and grievances about child protection services, seek and recommend system improvements and serve as a resource.
  • Each county has a Citizens Review Panel that provides a forum for grievances concerning the conduct of county department personnel in performing their duties. Further information is available regarding the Citizen Review process at Conflict Resolution Process (C.R.S. 19-3-211).
Complaints involving the courts and the judicial system

Complaints involving the courts and the judicial system should be made to each respective office. Complaints involving the Guardian Ad Litem, Attorney Special Advocate or Child's Representative should be made to the Colorado Office of the Child's Representative. Complaints about Respondent Parent Attorneys should be made to the Colorado Office of Respondent Parent Counsel.

Client Services Contact Information

Please contact Client Services with any questions or concerns.
303.866.3275
cdhs_clientservices@state.co.us
1575 Sherman Street, 8th floor, Denver, CO 80203 ATTN: Client Services

Early Childhood
What's new

As of July 2022, Early Childhood is now its own Department!  Please visit the NEW Colorado Department of Early Childhood website for more information. There is a lot happening in early childhood! To stay connected sign up to receive their monthly newsletter. You can also follow along on social media via Facebook (en español), Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Economic and Workforce Support (DEWS)
About the program

The Colorado Department of Human Services provides several types of employment assistance across a number of divisions.

  • Colorado Employment First ​​promotes self-sufficiency and independence by preparing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for employment through job-seeking skills training, case management services, credential attainment, work experience, and monthly job search support activities. To be eligible for the Employment First program, a client must be receiving SNAP benefits.
  • Colorado Works - In Colorado, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program known as Colorado Works. It is a cash assistance program that assists eligible families to become self-sufficient by encouraging job preparation, work, and family stabilization. Eligible applicants receive a monthly cash assistance payment, help with emergency household expenses, and/or services such as counseling, training, coaching and employment assistance. The Colorado Works Program operates in all 64 counties and is delivered locally through each county's department of human or social services.
  • ReHire Colorado is a transitional employment program that combines wage-paying work, credential attainment, and supportive services to help individuals successfully re-enter the workforce and Colorado businesses connect with high-quality talent. ReHire serves as a bridge between local job seekers and businesses by supporting a skilled workforce that meets the needs of businesses and strengthens the local economy.
  • Colorado's Adult Financial Programs Adult Financial programs issue a cash benefit to low-income and disabled clients that meet eligibility criteria. Programs include the Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) program, the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program, the Burial Assistance Program, the Old Age Pension (OAP) program, the Home Care Allowance (HCA) program, and the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) program. The Disability Navigator program supports AND-SO clients with the process of applying for and/or securing Supplemental Security Income.
  • Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP) facilitates the effective resettlement of refugees and other eligible populations, promoting their advancement past self-sufficiency and to long-term integration.  CRSP works with partners who provide direct services to refugees and help with navigation for other available benefits and services. Key service areas include case management, workforce development, health and wellbeing, youth services, legal services, and English as a Second Language.
  • Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program (CW STEP) helps connect at-risk populations who are eligible for basic cash assistance from Colorado Works (Colorado's federally funded program providing temporary cash assistance for needy families) with crucial professional work experience and opportunity. Starting in SFY 2022-23, CW STEP will provide services to persons broadly eligible for TANF.
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
About the program

The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Our goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to your home and family by assisting with heating costs.

The LEAP program works to keep our communities warm during the winter (November through April) by providing assistance with heating costs, equipment repair and/or replacement of inoperable heating systems. While the program is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, we aim to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with Colorado's colder months.

In most cases, the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier. In most cases, payments are made directly to the primary heating fuel vendor and a notice will be sent to the client informing them of the benefit amount. Other benefits provided by LEAP include repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove. The program does not provide financial assistance for any type of temporary or portable heating.

Helpful links

Managing LEAP in your county

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
About the program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides food assistance benefits as part of a federal nutrition program to help low-income households purchase food. Double Up Food Bucks is a program that doubles the value of SNAP benefits at participating markets and food retail stores. Learn more about this benefit for Colorado's families, farmers and communities here. 

There are several ways to apply for SNAP benefits:

What happens after an application is returned to the county office?

  • An eligibility technician will begin processing the case as soon as possible to determine if we need to complete an interview or if the household needs to provide any additional information. The county office has up to 30 days to process an application.
  • An interview needs to be completed once every 12 months for SNAP benefits due to federal requirements.
  • If an interview has been completed within the last 12 months, an eligibility technician may attempt to contact clients at the phone number provided on the application to clarify the information submitted on application.
  • After approval, clients can view and manage food assistance information and access recertification packets on the PEAK website.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

The EBT program, in partnership with a third-party vendor, is responsible for ensuring that SNAP payments authorized by each county department of human services are issued to approved recipients. The EBT program processes payment files for SNAP and multiple cash assistance programs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)

SNAP-Ed is the nutrition education and obesity prevention arm of SNAP. SNAP-Ed's goals are to teach Coloradans how to buy and prepare healthy foods on a budget; motivate people to increase their physical activity; introduce kids to fruits and vegetables through nutrition classes, school gardens and healthier school lunchrooms; and make positive and healthy changes in the environments where our families live. SNAP-Ed partners with several statewide nutrition education organizations to reach Colorado families and individuals.

Helpful links
Contact the program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Office of Economic Security
1575 Sherman St., Third Floor
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800.536.5298
Fax: 303.866.5098
TDD: 303.866.6293

Performance Management
About the division

​CDHS's Performance Management Division runs C-Stat, a management strategy that analyzes performance using the most currently available data. C-Stat allows divisions within CDHS to pinpoint performance areas in need of improvement and then improve those outcomes, helping to enhance the lives of the populations that CDHS serves and to provide the best use of dollars spent. Through root cause analysis, CDHS can determine what processes work and what processes need improvement. By measuring the impact of day-to-day efforts, CDHS makes informed, collaborative decisions to align efforts and resources to affect positive change.
 

If you would like to attend a C-Stat meeting or would like to receive a county C-Stat PAC update, county C-Stat report, or county C-Stat dashboard, please email CDHS_CountyC-Stat@state.co.us. Please note that attendance for C-Stat meetings is limited to 250 participants, to include internal CDHS attendees and our Senior Executive Team.

State-Tribal Relations
About the program

CDHS is committed to working with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on a government-to-government basis. Each year, CDHS and the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes engage in formal CDHS-Tribal Consultations, where partners identify priorities and set a strategic direction for collaboration for the upcoming year. Such consultations recognize the unique nature of government-to-government relationships between the State of Colorado and the two federally recognized tribes located within Colorado’s borders; their commitment to collaboration ensures all Coloradans are able to receive effective and efficient health and human services. CDHS remains grateful for the continued relationship with both the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe as well as with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, and looks forward to strengthening these important relationships.

In addition to working with tribes, CDHS also engages with several partners on American Indian affairs, including Denver Indian Family Resource Center, Denver Indian Center and Denver Indian Health and Family Services.